SCHAUMBURG, IL (February 27, 2015) – Level 257, NAMCO Entertainment, Inc.’s highly anticipated dining and entertainment experience, is thrilled to announce its public “beta” launch. The beta concept comes from the company’s gaming software roots, wherein during the beta phase, new products are made available to a limited number of customers prior to the full product launch. Level 257 is using the beta model for one week beginning opening day, Monday, February 23rd through Monday, March 2nd. Access to the space will be available through dinner reservations; the number of which will be limited. Bowling lanes and games will be made available to walk-ins on a first come, first served basis.

“We’ve shattered convention and flipped the traditional idea of a restaurant and entertainment destination,” says David Bishop, NAMCO EVP and Level 257 visionary. “We are treating our soft opening like a public software release, and are inviting the public to be a part of the early days. Their feedback will help us continue to shape the next wave of dining and entertainment.”

Level 257 is the first concept of its kind, and the only restaurant and entertainment venue for NAMCO Entertainment, Inc., one of the world’s largest amusement suppliers and operators. Level 257 is a multifaceted urban-chic space where food takes center stage. Beta period participants will be able to test-drive everything at the Pac-Man inspired venue which features upscale casual dining, bowling lanes, a gaming lounge, and more.

As patrons enter the 42,000 square foot venue, they are greeted with a retail shop featuring one-of-a-kind specialty Pac-Man items, and much more. The restaurant is the heart of the space, serving up chef-driven contemporary American fare, handcrafted cocktails, craft beer, an extensive wine list and more in an exciting, elegant setting. The stylish and comfortable gaming lounge, aptly named “Lost & Found”, boasts over 70 retro and modern games that were handpicked by NAMCO’s gaming experts, and social sports such as table tennis, air hockey, and pinball have been reimagined to incorporate the fresh, modern vibe of the space.

The 16 retro-styled bowling lanes are the only ones in Schaumburg, and bowlers can eat from a special bar menu, sample premium wines along with craft cocktails and beer. In perhaps one of the most thrilling aspects of Level 257, guests are also able to play the popular 4-player Pac-Man Battle Royale game on a large screen at the sports bar area.

Reservations for dining are strongly recommended during the beta period. Please call 847-805-0257 for more information or look online at www.level257.com.

Inspired by Pac-Man, Namco’s most famous creation, and named for the legendary level 256 Pac-Man ‘kill’ screen that few have ever experienced, Level 257 is a multifaceted urban-chic space where food takes center stage and play is encouraged. The experience is all about being social – through food, drinks, nostalgia, and a little bit of friendly competition. The venue will continuously evolve; creating a destination that turns convention on its head to celebrate the culture of play. The dining experience is orchestrated to bring contemporary food and spirits to old school play.

The venue enables guests to dine and play without borders! Food and beverage service is available everywhere, with attentive waitstaff stationed throughout the venue. Technology permeates the experience, from guest tables to ‘single sign-on’ real-time hourly pricing that enables seamless movement between the key areas of Level 257, without tickets or wristbands.

Meet Chicago Northwest represents eight communities in Chicago’s northwest region as the official destination marketing organization for this area. Meet Chicago Northwest is the first convention bureau in Illinois to earn the prestigious Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) accreditation developed by Destination Marketing Association International. More information about Meet Chicago Northwest is available at www.ChicagoNorthwest.com or by calling (800) 847-4849.